Entertainment

Ram Charan and Wife Upasana Konidela Announce Second Pregnancy with Heartwarming Diwali Video


The stork is ready to visit the Konidela household again! Tollywood superstar Ram Charan and his wife, Upasana Konidela, are expecting their second child. The couple, who are already parents to a two-year-old daughter named Klin Kara, shared the happy news through a delightful Instagram post on Thursday.

In the video shared by the couple, family and close friends are seen gathered for a Diwali celebration filled with love, laughter, and blessings. Ram Charan is all smiles as guests shower Upasana with gifts and well wishes. The video ends with the words “New beginnings,” capturing the essence of the couple’s growing family.

The caption read, “This Diwali was all about double the celebration, double the love, and double the blessings.” Among the guests were Ram’s superstar father Chiranjeevi, his mother Surekha, and actress Nayanthara with her husband Vignesh Shivan and their twins — making the moment even more special.

While the couple hasn’t revealed the due date, media reports have confirmed the pregnancy. Fans and friends from across the entertainment world poured in congratulations for the couple.

Ram Charan and Upasana now join a long list of celebrity couples embracing parenthood this year — including Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha, and Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi.

On the professional front, Ram Charan is currently preparing for his upcoming film Peddi, one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of 2025.

For now, it’s truly “double the happiness” for the Konidela family as they prepare to welcome another little one into their lives.

Human Interest

Dhanteras 2025 Sees ₹1 Lakh Crore Sales as Gold & Silver Demand Surges Despite Record Prices


Indian consumers went on a festive shopping spree this Dhanteras, with total spending crossing ₹1 lakh crore, led by an overwhelming demand for gold and silver despite all-time high prices. According to data released by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), ₹60,000 crore worth of gold and silver was sold — a 25% rise from last year’s Dhanteras.

Gold prices peaked at ₹1,32,000 per 10 grams, a record-high that slightly corrected in major markets like Delhi and Mumbai ahead of the big day. Despite the surge, the gold buying frenzy continued, although volumes dipped 10–15% compared to last year. However, the overall transaction value rose sharply, driven by strategic buyers focused on investment over weight.

Silver proved to be the star of Dhanteras 2025. With prices skyrocketing by nearly 55% year-on-year to ₹1,80,000 per kilogram, demand didn’t wane — in fact, it shifted. Industry data shows a 35–40% increase in silver coin sales, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as buyers chose budget-conscious and ceremonial purchases over heavy gold investments. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) described silver’s rise as a “smart, value-focused investment,” especially for gifting and puja purposes.

Pankaj Arora, National President of the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation, noted an “unprecedented rush” across jewellery markets, particularly in Delhi, where gold and silver sales alone crossed ₹10,000 crore.

Beyond bullion, festive shopping remained upbeat across other segments. Utensils accounted for ₹15,000 crore in sales, while electronics and electrical items saw ₹10,000 crore in purchases. Decorative items and religious materials also contributed an additional ₹3,000 crore.

According to GJC Vice Chairman Avinash Gupta, “Average transaction value rose 20–25% despite volume dips. Most encouraging is the surge in silver coin sales in smaller towns — a reflection of value-seeking, resilient consumers.”

Dhanteras 2025 confirmed that Indian consumers remain deeply committed to tradition, and willing to adapt their buying strategy in response to market trends. Even with volatility in bullion prices, sentiment stayed strong — reaffirming gold and silver’s timeless status as both cultural and economic assets.

Entertainment

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone Share First Family Picture with Baby Dua Padukone Singh — Pure Family Goals! ❤️


Bollywood’s most adored couple, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, have given fans the ultimate Diwali gift — their first-ever family photo featuring their daughter, Dua Padukone Singh.

The couple, who welcomed baby Dua earlier this year, celebrated the festival of lights with grace, love, and togetherness. The heartwarming picture captures the trio dressed in elegant traditional attire, radiating warmth and joy that perfectly embodies the spirit of Diwali.

While Ranveer looks dapper in a cream sherwani, Deepika glows in a golden saree, holding little Dua, who’s seen wearing a matching festive outfit. The family’s serene and affectionate photo instantly went viral, melting millions of hearts online.

Fans and friends from the film fraternity flooded social media with love and wishes for the couple, calling the picture “a Diwali blessing” and “the cutest moment of 2025.”

This marks the first public glimpse of baby Dua Padukone Singh — and the beginning of a beautiful new chapter for one of Bollywood’s most beloved couples.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

Special Occasion

Diwali 2025: A Celebration of Light, Triumph, and Togetherness


Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, lighting up the skies, homes, and hearts with warmth and joy. The word “Deepavali” means a row of lights, and that’s exactly what this celebration brings—countless flickering diyas illuminating the darkest corners.

Rooted in mythology, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya are said to have welcomed him by lighting rows of lamps, a tradition that continues today in homes and temples across the country. For others, it marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

The festival spans five days—starting with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day carries its own customs, from purchasing gold and cleaning homes to cooking festive foods and performing sacred pujas.

Preparations for Diwali often begin weeks in advance. Markets are filled with decorative lights, earthen lamps, sweets, and gifts. Families clean and renovate their homes as a symbolic gesture of inviting prosperity. On Diwali night, homes are lit with oil lamps, candles, fairy lights, and firecrackers. Families gather for Lakshmi Puja, exchanging blessings and sweets, while the sound of celebration echoes into the night.

But Diwali is more than rituals and lights. It is a powerful metaphor for inner awakening—for clearing away negative thoughts, illuminating the mind, and rekindling hope. In a world often marked by division, Diwali reminds us of unity, kindness, and the shared light that connects us all.

As the festival evolves with time, many are now opting for eco-friendly celebrations—using biodegradable diyas, supporting local artisans, and minimizing fireworks to reduce pollution. At its heart, Diwali is about intention. Whether it’s the humble flicker of a single diya or the joy of a grand gathering, every act contributes to a collective brightness.

Diwali 2025 arrives as a moment to pause, reflect, and rejoice. It invites each of us to light not just our surroundings, but also our minds and relationships—with compassion, courage, and love.

Special Occasion

Dhanteras 2025: A Celebration of Wealth, Health, and New Beginnings


Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated with deep cultural significance across India. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, this auspicious day sets the tone for joy, gratitude, and prosperity. In 2025, Dhanteras will be observed on October 28.

The word Dhanteras is derived from “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” referring to the thirteenth day. As per Hindu tradition, the day commemorates the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the deity of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of amrit (elixir of immortality). This mythological origin gives Dhanteras a dual significance: it is a celebration not only of material wealth but also of health, well-being, and spiritual balance.

One of the most beloved traditions of Dhanteras is the purchase of precious items—typically gold, silver, and new utensils. It is widely believed that buying these items on this day invites prosperity and good fortune into one’s life. Homes and businesses are cleaned thoroughly and adorned with rangolis, marigold flowers, and earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and good luck.

As evening falls, families across the country perform Dhanvantari Puja or Lakshmi Puja, offering sweets, flowers, and lamps while praying for both financial prosperity and good health. In recent years, National Ayurveda Day is also celebrated on Dhanteras in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, recognizing India’s traditional medical systems and promoting holistic well-being.

In the modern era, Dhanteras has evolved beyond its traditional rituals. While many still invest in jewellery and utensils, others are choosing to invest in health insurance, digital gold, electronics, or even wellness experiences. This reflects a shift in how people perceive “wealth”—as something that encompasses financial security, physical health, and mental peace.

At its core, Dhanteras is a reminder to begin the Diwali season with gratitude, intention, and positivity. Whether it’s through lighting your first diya or reflecting quietly on your blessings, the day invites you to realign with the values of abundance—not just in possessions, but in relationships, health, and hope.

As homes across India begin to glow with lights and anticipation, Dhanteras sets the spiritual and emotional foundation for the festive days to come. It’s a celebration of what we have, what we aspire for, and the deep belief that brighter days are always ahead.